I'm looking at buying some nice wood grips for my 686. I know I can get conversion grips to make it look square but I like the idea of the round but style grip. Also, what are the darker wood selections?

I certainly haven't tried all the grips available but the Ahrends I'm using seem to be worth the money. Of course I bought them used for $40 delivered but new ones aren't too bad price wise.
They have darker wood selections available also.Ahrends Grips : Home

There isn't a "best grip". It is an individual thing that has to do with many factors....... size of your hands, how you carry, which loads you shoot, and how you want them to look. That's why most guys who have been at this for a while have a draw full of grips! Basically trial and error.

My vote is for Ahrend's. I tried three different sets of grips on my 619, to include rubber brands. These finger groove combat grips fit my hand as though the mold were made for them, most ergonomically correct grips I think I've ever had on a round butt with the added bonus of looking really good (I had considered a round to square conversion and had one that didn't look any better than these). They will go on any round butt I have in the future; Ahrend's has a lot of selections in wood as well.

Up until recently I have been quite a purist with my S&W collection. Primarily because I only purchased older revolvers that came with wood stocks originally.

In the last couple of months I bought 2 revolvers that came with "Goodyears" from the factory. Since I don't like rubber stocks, I started looking for wood stock alternatives. I decided on Kim Ahrends stocks, and have been very happy with the quality and fitment. Especially for the price (typically $60)! I also HIGHLY recommend looking on either Gunbroker or eBay for a seller named gripseller. Terri has a great selection of S&W stocks and is second to none when it comes to customer service!!

There isn't a "best grip". It is an individual thing that has to do with many factors....... size of your hands, how you carry, which loads you shoot, and how you want them to look. That's why most guys who have been at this for a while have a draw full of grips! Basically trial and error.

Chief38

While wooden Hogues would, IMO, be the first place to look, Chief38 posted the most accurate answer.

There isn't a "best grip". It is an individual thing that has to do with many factors....... size of your hands, how you carry, which loads you shoot, and how you want them to look. That's why most guys who have been at this for a while have a draw full of grips! Basically trial and error.

There isn't a "best grip". It is an individual thing that has to do with many factors....... size of your hands, how you carry, which loads you shoot, and how you want them to look. That's why most guys who have been at this for a while have a draw full of grips! Basically trial and error.

I have Eagle Grip's Heritage grips on my 686. They are for round butts but give the gun the look of a square butt. They look very nice and are great if you have big meat hooks like me. Not cheap but well made.

My vote is for Ahrend's. I tried three different sets of grips on my 619, to include rubber brands. These finger groove combat grips fit my hand as though the mold were made for them, most ergonomically correct grips I think I've ever had on a round butt with the added bonus of looking really good (I had considered a round to square conversion and had one that didn't look any better than these). They will go on any round butt I have in the future; Ahrend's has a lot of selections in wood as well.

As others have said, It is a personal thing to pick out just the "right" set of grips for the right wheelgun! My 686 American Series has a set of these, and I can't keep them out of my wife's small hands...S&W K Conversion Rosewood Checkered
(Excellent Customer Service!)

I decided on the smooth oversized super rosewood grips with fingergrooves from Altamont and I couldn't be happier with them. They were $60 shipped, but would've been $50 had I not sprung for the S&W medallions. They arrived in less than a week.

The medallions, the look and feel of the wood, the fit and the shape are all superb. My old 36 looks and feels like a whole new firearm. I definitely recommend them.

Ahrends or Badger Custom represent are great looking and fitting. They are also well priced. I have two sets of Altamont grips. Their fit is a slight bit loose, but they look good and aren't too expensive. I bought a set Grand Blue that required a little bit of fitting, and weren't bad for the price. Overall, Ahrends gives you the most bang for the buck, IMO. Good luck.